South African Cultural Observatory National Conference
arts & culture
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
SACO 4th International Hybrid Conference

Speakers

The South African Cultural Observatory 2022 National Conference is proud to be bringing together a diverse group of speakers to the conference attendees.

Nzinga Qunta
Master of Ceremonies
Nzinga Qunta

Moderator, speaker, author and business news anchor anchoring SABC 3 and SABC News' daily business news show
Keynote Speakers
Professor Homi K. Bhabha is the Anne F. Rothenberg Professor of English and American Literature and Languages, Director of the Mahindra Humanities Center, and Senior Advisor to the President and Provost at Harvard University.
Prof. Homi J. Bhabha

Anne F. Rothenberg Professor of the Humanities, Harvard University
Laura Callanan, founding partner, Upstart Co-Lab was senior deputy chair of the U.S. federal arts agency, the National Endowment for the Arts; a consultant with McKinsey & Company’s Social Sector Office; senior adviser at the United Nations Development Programme; and associate director at the Rockefeller Foundation where, in addition to her responsibilities managing the endowment, she co-led impact investing.
Laura Callanan

Founding Partner, Upstart Co-Lab, USA
Conference Speakers
Dr Akhona Ndzuta is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Chief Albert Luthuli Research Chair, University of South Africa (UNISA).
Akhona Ndzuta

Postdoctoral research fellow at the Chief Albert Luthuli Research Chair, University of South Africa
Alby Michaels is the Senior Producer and Research Manager at Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), where he has led as the creative director and producer for the BASA Awards since 2019 as well as producer and curator of the inaugural BASA ASSEMBLY, the BASA Cultural Producers Programme, So Creative Summit 2022, Debut Programme and BASA's all new Climate/Culture Programme.
Alby Michaels

Senior Producer and Research Manager at Business and Arts South Africa
Amy Shelver is a creativity-obsessed communicator and serial ideator with a passion for doing cool things, code, content, and digital do-gooding. Amy has worked on development issues, using research, creativity, communications, and innovation to tackle local and global challenges for more than 16 years.
Amy Shelver

Senior Researcher South African Cultural Observatory
Andy is an internationally acclaimed expert on the topic of the cultural industries. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and an Academician of the Academy of Social Sciences.
Andy Pratt

Professor of Cultural Economy & Director, CCCI, School of Communication & Creativity Department of Media, Culture and Creative Industries, City University of London
Ann Markusen, professor emerita, directs the Humphrey School's Project on Regional and Industrial Economics. Currently, her research focuses on occupational approaches to regional development, and on artists, arts organizations, cultural industries, and cultural activity as regional economic and quality-of-life stimulants.
Ann Markusen, Professor Emerita

Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Associate Professor Brett Pyper is an interdisciplinary South African arts practitioner, cultural scholar and former festival director. Since the early 1990s, he has combined critical arts practice with academic study at local, national and international levels.
Associate Professor Brett Pyper

Interdisciplinary South African arts practitioner, cultural scholar and former festival director
Asli Bilge, Phd, is the co-founder of Köprü, a Sanliurfa-based NGO that focuses on creating jobs for vulnerable locals and Syrians through creative industries.
Asli Bilge

Co-founder of Köprü, a Sanliurfa-based NGO
Avril Joffe is the Post Graduate Coordinator of the Cultural Policy and Management Department at the Wits School of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
Avril Joffe

Post Graduate Coordinator of the Cultural Policy and Management Department at the Wits School of Arts
Billy Monama is a South African guitarist, author, composer, arranger, producer, and educator, founder and the managing director of The Grazroots Project. In 1997, Monama began his journey with the guitar inspired by the music of his childhood, which combined traditional ethnic sounds, African gospel and jazz.
Billy Monama

South African guitarist, author, composer, arranger, producer, and educator, founder and the managing director of The Grazroots Project.
Brenda Fashugba is the Head of Arts & the Regional Lead for Creative Economy SSA at the British Council. She has spent well over a decade working as an arts Manager and professional arts administrator with a focus for theatre & festivals.
Brenda Fashugba

Head of Arts & the Regional Lead for Creative Economy SSA at the British Council
Casper Lötter completed his PhD in Philosophy at the University of the Free State in December 2018.
Casper Lötter

Conflict criminologist affiliated with North-West University’s School of Philosophy
Clorinda is Associate Professor in the School of the Arts: Music at the University of Pretoria where she teaches undergraduate courses in Occupational Health for Musicians, Music Psychology and Music Philosophy.
Clorinda Panebianco

Associate Professor in the School of the Arts: Music at the University of Pretoria
Daisy Chesang is currently the creative pathway lead at GOYN Mombasa (Global Opportunity Youth Network) Anchored by Swahilipot Hub Foundation.
Daisy Chesang

Creative pathway lead at GOYN Mombasa
Daniela Yamashita Unzain, Anthropologist and Master in Environmental and Territorial Policies (UBA). She is currently responsible for the Cultural Map of the Cultural Information System of Argentina (Argentina).
Daniela Yamashita Unzain

Anthropologist and Master in Environmental and Territorial Policies (UBA)
Born in Britain, raised in South Africa, resident in The Netherlands. Nowhere and Everywhere are home
David Chislett

Published author, poet, musician and artist
Denay Willie is a gold medallist and Honours music graduate from the University of Cape Town, with an extensive national and international resume as an accomplished South African performer, educator and cultural practitioner.
Denay Willie

Gold medallist and Honours music graduate from the University of Cape Town
An award-winning flautist and academic, Bridget is sought-after pedagogue, performer, and musicians’ health practitioner. Her research and leadership in Performing Arts Health is ground-breaking for SA.
Dr Bridget Rennie-Salonen

Award-winning flautist and academic
Dr Josh Siepel is Senior Lecturer in the Science Policy Research Unit at University of Sussex Business School.
Dr Josh Siepel

Senior Lecturer in the Science Policy Research Unit at University of Sussex Business School
Dr Karsten Xuereb lectures, researches and manages projects addressing cultural policy and relations in Europe and the Mediterranean at the University of Malta.
Dr Karsten Xuereb

Ministry for Culture Malta
Lecturer and Researcher in Creative and Cultural Industries, having worked in UFRGS (Brazil), University of Valencia (Spain), International University of Catalunya (Spain), Queen Mary University of London (the UK), Labex - ICCA of Paris 13 University - Sorbonne (France).
Dr Leandro Valiati

Lecturer and Researcher in Creative and Cultural Industries
Dr. Tegan Bristow is Fak’ugesi Principal Researcher & Senior Lecturer at the Wits School of the Arts – with a specialisation on African Art, Culture and Technology. Bristow additionally acts as Editor in Chief and Digital Editor of the Ellipses Journal for Creative Research.
Dr. Tegan Bristow

Fak’ugesi Principal Researcher & Senior Lecturer at the Wits School of the Arts
Eben Keun

Chief Brand Architect at Breinstorm
Eduardo Cachucho is the Creative Director for the Fak'ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival. He is a programme consultant, artist and ex-architect.
Eduardo Cachucho

Creative Director for the Fak'ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival
Emmanuelle Denavit-Feller

French Institute in South Africa
Enyinna Sodienye Nwauche

Professor of law at the University of Fort Hare

Head of the Afropean AFROGROOV music network, Eric is an internationally respected award-nominated DJ, event & content producer, Radio and TV host, artist, curator and champion of community and culture, who collaborated and share stages with stellar artists such as AMADOU & MIRIAM, SEUN KUTI, KEZIAH JONES, AKON, AFRIKAA BAMBAATA and many more.
ErIc Karengera aka DJ Eric Soul

Head of the Afropean AFROGROOV music network
Erica Elk is the CEO of the Craft & Design Institute (CDI) Group, which comprises the CDI NPC and three for-profit entities: CDI Capital, CDI Connect, CDI Creative. Erica was appointed in November 2001 to establish the Institute following a provincial government research study into the needs of the craft and design sector.
Erica Elk

CEO of the Craft & Design Institute (CDI) Group
Eugene “Ramirez” Mapondera is the creative director at Kay Media Africa and Co-founder of Comexposed, a creative hub for digital artists in Zimbabwe.
Eugene “Ramirez” Mapondera

Creative director at Kay Media Africa and Co-founder of Comexposed
Fiona Drummond is a PhD candidate in economics at Rhodes University, South Africa.
Fiona Drummond

PhD candidate in economics at Rhodes University
Gcinibandla Mtukela is an academic, former public service manager, research consultant and current member of Ministerial Council of the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex, formerly Opera House.
Gcinibandla Mtukela

Member of Council: Mandela Bay Theatre Complex
Hubert Escaith is the Former Chief Statistician of the World Trade Organization and a Former Director of Division at Unite Nations ECLAC.
Hubert Escaith

Former Chief Statistician of the World Trade Organization and a Former Director of Division at Unite Nations ECLAC
Irene Pinto (Venice, 1995) holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures (Bologna Alma Mater), and a Master’s Degree in Innovation and Organization of Culture and the Arts (Bologna Alma Mater).
Irene Pinto

PhD candidate (Catanzaro Magna Graecia) with a project on the economic and social impact of technological innovation in culture and tourism
Jen Snowball is a Professor of Economics at RU. She is also the Chief Research Strategist at the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO), which is an inter-university research unit funded by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Jeanette Snowball

Professor of Economics at RU
Joke holds a master’s degree in history and is a field expert in participatory policies. As the former Deputy Mayor of the City of Genk (Belgium), she worked on transitions at city level in the areas of participation.
Joke Quintens

Wetopia Founder
Joseph-Matthieu M. Mundadi is a PhD Candidate at the University of Venda and a Research Assistant at the Directorate of Research and Innovation. As an emerging researcher, he is a member of the CCIFSA Vhembe District since 2018 to date.
Joseph M. Mundadi

PhD Candidate: Institute for Rural Development, University of Venda. Researcher and International Arts & Rural Development Consultant.
27 years work experience with 17 years senior management experience. Track record in development of policy, risk assessment, project management and stakeholder relationships.
Julie Diphofa

NAC Acting Chief Executive Officer
Justin O’Connor is Professor of Cultural Economy, University of South Australia. Between 2012-18 he was part of the UNESCO ‘Expert Facility’, supporting the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of Cultural Diversity.
Justin O’Connor

Professor of Cultural Economy
Karina Scherer, Bachelor in Business Administration and Master in Cultural, Co-director of the Master in Cultural Management, virtual modality (UBA). Teacher of Cultural Management and Thesis tutoring (UBA).
Karina Scherer

Teacher of Cultural Management and Thesis tutoring (UBA)
Kimwelle’s studies and professional experience span from Kenya to South Africa with global collaborations in the USA, Belgium, Germany, France and India.
Kevin M Kimwelle

Wetopia Co-Founder
Matilde Ferrero (Turin, 1995) holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Cultural Heritage (Turin Università degli Studi), and a Master’s Degree in Innovation and Organization of Culture and the Arts (Bologna Alma Mater).
Matilde Ferrero

PhD Candidate in Cultural Economics
Michael Lee

International expert in the mindset of creativity and innovation
Mphikeleli Mnguni obtained his PhD from Wits University and MBA from Tshwane University Technology Business School with his area of interest ranging from psychology and service delivery.
Mphikeleli Mnguni

National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Natalie Kowalik holds a doctorate in Social Sciences, Communication Studies from the University of Antwerp, Belgium. Her PhD focused on South Africa’s post-apartheid film policy and the shifting discourses on film, national identity, and the cultural/creative industries.
Natalie Kowalik

Research/Programme Manager ADA
Dr. Oswelled Ureke is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Communication and Media at the University of Johannesburg.
Oswelled Ureke

Senior Lecturer in the Department of Communication and Media at the University of Johannesburg
Professor Frank Lyons has been Associate Dean of Research and Innovation in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences since 2017.
Professor Frank Lyons

Associate Dean of Research and Innovation in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Prof Urmilla Bob is a Full Professor of Geography in the School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences and University Dean of Research at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Prof Urmilla Bob

Professor of Geography in the School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences and University Dean of Research at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Philippe Meers is a Professor in Film and Media Studies at the University of Antwerp, Belgium, where he is deputy director of the Visual and Digital Cultures Research Center (ViDi) and director of the Center for Mexican Studies.
Philippe Meers

Professor in Film and Media Studies at the University of Antwerp
Raymond is a PhD candidate in Cultural Economics at Rhodes University.
Raymond Ndhlovu

PhD candidate in Cultural Economics at Rhodes University
My name is Refiloe Sethiba, and I’m currently a student at the North-West University studying towards my Master’s degree in Geography, which aims to look at the Creative and Cultural economy in rural areas.
Refiloe De-Gratia Sethiba

Student at the North-West University
Richard Haines is Professor Emeritus, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, Nelson Mandela University.
Richard Haines

Professor Emeritus, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, Nelson Mandela University
Silvia Tonui is a Marketing professional with excellent writing skills and an astute Project Manager, with over 10 years local and international experience in the NGO sector, Media and FMCG industries.
Silvia Tonui

Marketing & Project Management consultant
Sipho Sithole (PhD) holds a PhD in Anthropology from Wits University and is a Research Fellow at the Johannesburg Institute of Advanced Study, University of Johannesburg.
Sipho Sithole

PhD in Anthropology from Wits University
Smangaliso Siphesihle Ngwenya is a dancer, performer, writer, director, choreographer, researcher, videographer and founder of Isifiso SakaGogo Performance Theatre.
Smangaliso Siphesihle Ngwenya

Founder of Isifiso SakaGogo Performance Theatre.
Sophie Boulé was involved in the City of Paris in 1995 and was in charge of the communication department of the Carnavalet Museum from 1999 to the end of 2009 then she joined the General Delegation for International Relations of the City of Paris as a cultural affairs officer, specializing in international cooperation and the management of international cultural projects in Paris and abroad.
Sophie Boulé

Cultural Attaché and Deputy Director of the French Institute of South Africa
Steven Joseph Sack was born in 1951 and has lived his entire life in Johannesburg.
Steven Joseph Sack

Heritage and Creativity Consultant
Mr. Terrence Khumalo is the Projects Monitoring and Evaluation Manager at the National Film & Video Foundation.
Terrence Khumalo
Creative Arts is one of the subjects offered under the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) in both South Africa’s public and private schools.
Thandeka Sibiya

Education and Creativity: Teacher perspectives on the role of Creative Arts in developing and sustaining rural economies in South Africa
An accomplished content management professional with over 20 years professional working experience. Key expertise focuses on promoting (and providing insight on) South Africa’s global reputation, representation, investment and trade of cultural and creative products and activities.
Unathi Malunga

Chief Executive Officer/Chief Operations Officer Strategic and Management Lead
Youssef Soubai, is an Adjunct teacher of arts marketing and culture resource mobilization at the university of Ibn Tofail – Kenitra - Morocco and a Ph.D.
Youssef Soubai

Adjunct teacher of arts marketing and culture resource mobilization at the university of Ibn Tofail – Kenitra - Morocco
Yvette Hardie is a theatre director, producer, educator and arts advocate.
Yvette Hardie

Director of ASSITEJ SA
Wilfred is the Founding Director of Africa Digital Media Group - ADMG which is made up of three entities, Institute(ADMI), Foundation(ADMF), and Studios(ADMS).
Wilfred Kiumi

Founding Director of Africa Digital Media Group
Mariapaola (MP) has been working in the creative economy for over 20 years. She is a visual arts practitioner, lecturer, and researcher.
Mariapaola

Visual arts practitioner, lecturer, and researcher
Moderators
Ms. Aifheli Makhwanya is an independent consultant & researcher in the CCIs with research interests in media law & cultural governance.
Aifheli Makhwanya

Independent consultant & researcher in the CCIs with research interests in media law & cultural governance
Mr. Andre Le Roux is the Managing Director of IKS Cultural Consulting, Head of the Concerts SA Project, on the board of the Market Theatre Foundation and the Southern African Focal Point for the African Culture Fund.
Andre Le Roux

Managing Director of IKS Cultural Consulting
Working in the arts and in business looks like working in different worlds or even opposite systems. But yet everyone lives and flips between these realities and their values several times a day - from reading the book to doing business at work
Farai Ncube

Regional Arts Director, Sub Saharan Africa
Flavia is a Commissioning Editor for the M-Net, Local Entertainment Channels.
Flavia Motsisi

Commissioning Editor
Johnny Muteba founded the Pan African Chamber of Commerce in 2015 in Johannesburg/South Africa.
Johnny Muteba

Founder of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce in 2015 in Johannesburg/South Africa
Yolanda is a TV and film professional. Her experience spans across live productions, documentaries, and scripted content.
Yolanda Ncokotwana

Head of Industry Development, NFVF
Zama is an attorney with over 20 years of professional experience practising as a media and entertainment lawyer, including secondment with a Los Angeles-based Entertainment Law Firm.
Zama Mkosi

Attorney with over 20 years of professional experience practicing as a media and entertainment lawyer

South African Cultural Observatory

Port Elizabeth
21-23 Donkin Street
Donkin Creative Precinct
Central
Port Elizabeth

+27 (0)41 504 4930

Email: SACOConference@mandela.ac.za

SACO Home page